________________________________________ In my Issue no. 563, Lee Murray asked, “Can a Scout start a merit badge under the old requirements and finish under the new, provided he has completed all of the new requirements? Is there anything that says he can’t do this?” I said, in part, “…But if (a) partial is…a couple of years […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, For his Eagle board of review, a Scout provides the names and contact information for up to six references. Following his successful review, two questions for you: Should “thank you” notes or letters be sent to the people who provided those references? If so, who should do this? (Bill Bohling, SM, Northern […]

________________________________________ BSA REVAMPS PHILMONT! CIMARRON, NM – Following several years of nationwide conferences and planning sessions, the Boy Scouts of America will be launching major reconfigurations of Philmont Scout Ranch and Training Center this summer. Here are some of the highlights of changes to come… The famous “Tooth of Time” will be drilled out and […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy! Your recent discussion about counting service hours brings up two issues we recently faced, and I’d like to get your take on them. At this year’s Scout Sunday, one of our Scouts, who regularly operates the electronic sound board in the sanctuary, wore a jacket over his uniform for the entire service. […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy, I just read your column last week, and the piece about the Scouts who did an opening ceremony at a hockey game and then stayed to watch the game. I so rarely disagree with you, but this time I think you “dumbed down” the requirements so much and just gone too far […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy, We just had three Scouts help out at a Wounded Warriors Hockey Game as the flag detail for the opening ceremony. After they’d completed this, they stayed and watched all or part of the game. One Scout was there for about a half-hour; the other two for an hour-and-a-half each. Since they […]

________________________________________ Dear Andy, I’m concerned that the Boy Scouts of America has had a long relationship with the NRA, but today the NRA really is a political organization and is tarnishing the reputation of my beloved BSA. I think it’s time to sever ties with the NRA publicly! Keeping the ties can only shrink the […]

________________________________________ Hi Andy, Is there a way to find out what project a Scout accomplished in order to become an Eagle Scout in the 1930’s? My sister and I are trying to get more information about Charles Frederick Day. Thanks! (Susan Day) In the 1930’s there was no specific “service project” requirement for Eagle. However, […]

Thanks ever so much for your patience, folks…and special thanks to you all who sent best wishes to my bride! I’d started out today with every plan to get back to you with a fresh column before sundown, but that just wasn’t destined to happen. Please check me out tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb 21st), ’cause I’m […]

A funny thing happened on our way to the tepee… Well, actually not so funny. While visiting our daughter (one of three) who lives in Colorado, my bride Linda fell and fractured the top of her femur, requiring immediate surgery and now about two weeks of physical therapy before she can get onto a plane. […]